Helen Calcutt

Tutor

Originally a student of classical ballet and jazz, Helen went on to perform as a commercial dancer before moving into contemporary dance, and later, Cuban rhythms and salsa. Trained with U.K.A Dance, Trinity, and Creative Alliance, she performs, choreographs, and teaches across the U.K.

Helen has collaborated with the likes of Def Motion, The Birmingham Conservatoire, The Hippodrome, Integra Lab, BIDF, Canela Fina, The DX, The REP, and The BBC, among others. Also a poet, and with a degree in Philosophy and Professional Writing, she creates work that forms connections between dance and text, as well as drawing on her background of varied techniques to explore new movement, especially in theatre and performance. In 2014 she created and performed a solo work ‘Mairna’ at The Southbank Centre as part of the Poetry In Festival. In 2017 she devised a contemporary piece incorporating sign-language, performed at The Birmingham Weekender Festival. She was a choreographer on Regional Voice Theatre’s new production ‘The Darlaston Dog Fight’, showcased at The Arena in 2018. She was movement director on a community-based performance ‘I’d Do It All Again’ for MAT in June 2018.

Helen teaches classes in contemporary dance, salsa, jazz and commercial dance in the city, also working in Early Stages development through to third-year vocational dance study. She regularly delivers masterclasses choreographic and creative practice The Uni of Birmingham and The Uni of Wolverhampton.

Helen believes Cuban-salsa to be one of the most focused and enriching movement disciplines, and that the joy found in its social aspects can be experienced and nurtured in the studio. Her classes focus on rhythm, connection, and attention to detail. She creates a vibrant, friendly atmosphere where dancers can flourish.